I know, Ashley and I have been MIA for a couple of months, call it hiatus, laziness, or whatever. Point is, we're back, again. Pst, we'll see how long this lasts this time. Haha.

I was in Philippines for 3 weeks this past Christmas and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Did not really think much about the trip until the night before my flight, when I was frantically packing my things, good ol' last minute Gelaine, Am I right?

It's been 5 years since my last visit.... I wouldn't say I was excited to go back, I was actually more frightened and anxious. I did not know what to expect. However, as I look back on it, I am quite happy that I travelled with no expectations, I was just longing for something new and I didn't know it yet at that time. Funny how things change in a span of.. let's say... three weeks.

I was going to firstly write a brief summary of how my trip went, the things I did, and the scenery I've seen. But, I felt like doing some reflecting... with the addition of some lovely photos.. on the idea of wanderlust and my perspective on travelling.

Mind you, I don't travel often. I haven't been to each continent. However, I have experienced different cultures, met people from various countries and have broadened my mindset due to it. I think sometimes people get carried away by the idea that travelling is ONLY just about seeing the popular landmarks, and having to post them the day of so that your friends and families can see it on your Facebook timeline. I can't lie, I, myself do that. However, photos can only express so much. I remember seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time and literally spent the first 30 minutes taking pictures of it in every possible angle. Sometimes, I wish I could've just spent most of the time admiring it's beauty... and it's presence. Anyways, before I get carried away. Here are just a list of the few things I've learned from travelling. As a noob, I bet I have more to learn. However, as of now... this shall do.

1) Roadtrips. Enjoy Them. 

In Philippines, people usually drive from one province to another. The northern part of the country is roughly a 15 hour drive from the capital city (Manila). Yes, roadtrips can be quite bothersome: stopping every hour to gas stations because you have a bladder a size of a squirrel's, having to wake up before dawn WHILE suffering from jetlag in order to arrive at your destination at a proper time.... the list could go on & on. However, I really enjoyed seeing the sceneries, the towns we were passing by, and observing people doing their everyday routines. I try not to sleep the entire time because I would've missed out on ... a) seeing children waving posters that say "Merry Christmas" on the sides of the road while driving on Christmas Eve (yes they were asking for money, we did throw some pisos (coins) at them (making it rain, you know? JK). b) realizing that your driver could potentially be an extra from the film: Fast & Furious - I mean the number of overtakes and tailgating that was happening...LOL and obviously, c) Fully appreciating the beauty that is.. mother nature.

2) Stop Complaining! 

Take a moment to realize that you're in a different country. There were times where the toilets won't flush, where I'd get x1000 bug bites from being outside for only a couple minutes. Yes, I had to constantly buy bottled water because tap water was a big No No (apparently). However, I knew this was going to happen, I've spent some time analyzing horrible scenarios in my head which did not really help my sanity. So, stop overthinking, don't complain if for some reason the washroom did not have toilet paper. Learn from it, heck, it may even teach you a little something about r e s p o n s i b i l i t y.

3) Be one with their culture, take a piece of that culture and bring it back with you.

You're probably thinking "Gelaine, aren't you filipino? so you already know the culture". Well, Filipino-Canadians are not quite similar to those back home. Some are more conservative and follow strict values that my parents kind of disregarded upon immigrating here. Returning from my vacation, I definitely feel "more filipino", if that's even a thing? I began to understand why certain values are so important to us and regardless of how traditional it may all seem - it gives character to one's culture.

4) BROADEN YOUR MINDSET. 

Excavate your mind. This advice is for those who haven't yet tried to travel, or have been stuck in the same place, for a long time. There are bigger, perhaps better things out there. You start to notice all the other possibilities that you could potentially be a part of. It's something else. Sometimes, when I find myself alone, feeling slightly blue, complaining about life - and the things I'm going through.... I realize that - hey, brighter things are coming, just waiting out there, for you to finally find the courage (or the balls) to take it. Try not to worry, because you'll eventually find yourself at a happier place and you use that to motivate you each day.

Well, I hope this long, slightly random post gives you something to think about. Reflect on your life, don't imagine yourself stuck between four walls.